In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria and Benin Republic faced disappointment as their joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was thwarted.

Nigeria’s joint bid, which initially seemed promising after Algeria withdrew its proposal for the 36th edition of the Cup of Nations, fell short as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania clinched the coveted hosting rights.

The announcement unfolded during the Executive Committee meeting of the Confederation of African Football in, Cairo.

Despite Nigeria’s compelling presentation, showcasing an array of impressive stadiums such as the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja and the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, the bid ultimately tilted in favor of the East African trio.

While Nigeria has a rich history in the AFCON, this recent setback could be seen as a stack reminder that the country has not done enough to host a major tournament and the wait to host an AFCON tournament is sure to stand at 27 years.